ATLANTA/WASHINGTON. November 9, 2024 (Biz Republic) — AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman, and American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey, agreed to welcome Donald Trump’s electoral victory, trusting that the incoming administration will create a sustainable environment for the growth of the hotel and travel industry, especially for small businesses, avoiding harmful laws, and promoting the consolidation of the United States as a tourist destination.
“OUR INDUSTRY HAS FACED TREMENDOUS CHALLENGES IN RECENT YEARS”
AAHOA, the world’s largest hotel owners association representing nearly 20,000 hoteliers, congratulates President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance on their victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election.
“On behalf of America’s hotel owners, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Vance,” said AAHOA Chairman Miraj S. Patel. “Our industry has faced tremendous challenges in recent years, and we are encouraged by the incoming administration’s commitment to championing pro-business policies that prioritize small business growth, reduce regulatory burdens, and build pathways for economic resilience. We look forward to working with the new administration to implement policies that support workforce development, drive tax relief, and foster a thriving hospitality sector.”
AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake emphasized the importance of these efforts for hotel owners nationwide. “As we look toward the future, we are optimistic that the Trump administration’s approach will open new doors for small businesses and create a sustainable environment for economic growth. By focusing on policies that empower small business owners and encourage job creation, this administration has the opportunity to shape a stronger, more resilient hospitality industry.”
AAHOA Members are hopeful that the administration’s focus on pro-business initiatives will benefit hotel owners, laying a solid foundation for continued success and growth in the years ahead.
“MAXIMIZE THE COMPETITIVE STRENGTH OF THE UNITED STATES AS A TRAVEL DESTINATION”
U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman issued the following statement congratulating President-Elect Donald Trump: “We congratulate President-Elect Trump and look forward to working with the incoming administration to make the United States the world’s top travel destination and improve the travel experience for millions of Americans who take to the roads, rails and sky every day.”
“As we embark on a mega-decade of sports – including the World Cup and Summer and Winter Olympics – a tremendous opportunity is ahead to maximize the competitive strength of the United States as a travel destination. We stand ready to work with the new administration to realize America’s full potential.”
“THE HOTEL INDUSTRY IS AN ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE FOR THE U.S. ECONOMY”
American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey released the following statement regarding the 2024 elections: “We congratulate President Trump on his historic victory. AHLA looks forward to working with the Trump-Vance administration and lawmakers of both parties at every level of government to keep the hotel industry – and the many thousands of small businesses and employees that power it – moving forward.”
“The hotel industry is an economic powerhouse for the U.S. economy. AHLA’s overall advocacy goals are to advance public policies that support and enable the industry’s long-term growth potential and protect hoteliers’ bottom lines.”
“Through educating elected officials on the industry’s economic contribution and job-creating power, we seek an environment in which hotel professionals can focus on running and growing their businesses rather than confronting onerous laws and harmful policies. That means supporting business-friendly tax rates and policies to expand the workforce, fighting regulatory overreach, protecting the hotel franchise model from government interference, and ensuring a level playing field for hotels and short-term rentals. AHLA is committed to working with elected officials and policy makers in both parties in pursuit of these crucial priorities.”
ABOUT AAHOA
AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the world, with Member-owned properties representing a significant part of the U.S. economy. AAHOA’s 20,000 members own 60% of the hotels in the United States and are responsible for 1.7% of the nation’s GDP. More than 1 million employees work at AAHOA Member-owned hotels, earning $47 billion annually, and member-owned hotels support 4.2 million U.S. jobs across all sectors of the hospitality industry. AAHOA’s mission is to advance and protect the business interests of hotel owners through advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, member benefits, and community engagement.
ABOUT U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION
U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing the $1.3 trillion travel industry, an essential contributor to our nation’s economy and success. U.S. Travel produces programs and insights and advocates for policies to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit ustravel.org for more information.
ABOUT AHLA
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the largest hotel association in America, representing more than 30,000 members from all segments of the industry nationwide – including iconic global brands, 80% of all franchised hotels, and the 16 largest hotel companies in the U.S. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support, and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com.
